Remembering Our Roots Forest Immersion
Tickets: $35
Sessions are scheduled for Second and fourth Sundays of the month from 10 to 11:30 am and Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 pm (May - September)
Connect with nature and its many healing benefits at Lakewold Gardens, a 10 acre botanical wonderland!
Feeling like you need a break, and perhaps some reflection? Our Forest Immersion will have you breathing deep and saying "Ahh" before you know it!
Forest Immersion combines a leisurely, guided walk led by our own guide Brianna Ybarra who will offer a series of prompts to engage every sense while exploring the garden. You may be invited to think deeply on what you hear, see, feel, and and smell while sitting and just 'being' for a few minutes. You might notice things that surprise you, or things you once knew and have forgotten, such as the spicy-sweet smell of leaves and moss, or the feeling of your heart rate slowing down while listening to birdsong in the shadow of an ironwood tree. We end each session with tea and an opportunity for conversation. It's our belief that connecting to nature has many healing benefits, and we invite you to enjoy these with us.
We intentionally keep our group to 10 participants to facilitate the most immersive and restorative experience. Suggested age is 14 to 100. Tickets include garden admission, so please enjoy the day with us!
Forest Immersion FAQ
Q: What is it?
A: Forest Therapy, or Forest Immersion, is a practice that began in Japan (Shinrin-Yoku) in the early 1980s. It is designed to promote health and healing through immersing and becoming aware of your senses in natural environments. This experience is slow paced and quiet with no predetermined outcome.
The forest is the therapist. The guide opens the doors. ~ M. Amos Clifford
Q: What will we actually do?
A: A guide will lead you on a walk around a small portion of the garden and offer instructions or invitations designed to help you connect to the nature around us. You are welcome to participate in these activities as much or as little according to your personal comfort level.
There is Tea Sharing at the end of the walk. If you are concerned about allergies, please tell your guide.
Q: Is it appropriate for children?
A: Yes! We have designated 14 as the minimum, but that is just a guide. Younger children can absolutely benefit from a Forest Immersion experience. If you have younger kids who would like to participate, give us a call so we can tailor the experience to be best suited for them.
Q: What are the health benefits?
A: There are many science-based studies that show that time spent in nature can improve focus, sleep, immune function, and provide many other benefits. Phytoncides, the natural chemicals released by evergreen trees, can lower the amount of stress hormones in your body. You can find numerous research articles on the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) website.
Q: What are the physical requirements?
A: This is not a hike but more of a slow walk with opportunities for standing or sitting. Paths are not paved and may be uneven. We want you to be as comfortable and safe as possible, so please let us know your concerns about mobility or accessibility before we begin the walk.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Wear clothing and shoes that are weather appropriate and comfortable for you! You may be invited to sit on the ground at times so keep that in mind.
Q: Is there any tree hugging involved?
A: We highly recommend it—and we’re pretty sure you'll like it—but no, you don’t have to hug any trees!
Q: What training does the guide have?
A: Brianna Ybarra, Lakewold’s Forest Immersion guide, has completed 125 hours of course study through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. She is both CPR and Wilderness First Aid certified.
Lakewold Gardens | 12317 Gravelly Lake Drive Southwest, Lakewood, WA 98499
Mailing Address | Post Office Box 39780, Lakewood, WA 98496
Phone | 253-584-4106
Email | contactus@lakewoldgardens.org
Spring/Summer/Fall Hours | 10 am to 5 pm Wed - Sun
Winter Hours (Nov - Mar) | 10 am to 4 pm Fri - Sun
This page is made possible, in part, by a City of Lakewood Lodging Tax Grant.